Bosch PS42 Impact Driver Offers a Compact, Comfortable Design
When we tested over 30 impact drivers, we had an idea of what to expect from certain manufacturers, but you never know when you’re going to get surprised by something. This is particularly the case with 12V tools. For whatever reason, we’ve seen some brands treat their 12V line like the red-headed stepchild of the company. They’ll make the tools to just kind of check off the box. Thankfully, the Bosch PS42 impact driver distinguishes itself quite well.
Bosch 12V Impact Driver Shootout Results
We’ve seen some otherwise solid Pro brands neglect their 12V line, but the Bosch 12V impact driver has the fit, finish, and feature set that tells us Bosch puts real effort into the tools they design for it. The PS42-02 doesn’t have many weaknesses but it’s more expensive than some of its competition.
Results as of December 23rd, 2019. Check out our Best 12V Impact Driver page for the latest updates.
Bosch PS42 Impact Driver Performance
On paper, the Bosch 12V impact driver cranks out no-load speeds up to 2,600 RPM and 0-3,100 IPM to go along with its 975 in-lbs of torque. On paper, Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel owns this category by a significant margin and Bosch settles in behind it with the Makita 12V CXT kit.
Of course, when we run our tests, we like to actually put these tools under some pressure. After all, specs don’t tell the whole story.
Note: To see our testing methods, please check out our Best 18V Impact Driver main page.
Bosch PS42 Speed
We first tested speed. Under the load of a 1/4″ ledger screw, the Bosch PS42 cranks out 283 RPM. This is quick enough to earn it a 2nd-place ranking on our 12V charts. Milwaukee puts a pretty comfortable gap over Bosch by more than 100 RPM (397).
Testing Torque
In our fastening tests, we found that the Bosch PS42 generates 390 in-lbs of fastening torque. The Skil 12V brushless impact (700) and Milwaukee (804) don’t seem to be playing on the same field considering the distance they put on the rest of the field. Bosch settles into 4th in our ranking, just behind Hilti.
Next, we tested the Bosch’s breakaway torque. Again, Milwaukee and Skil kind of stomped everyone else’s scores, but the PS42 slides into the 3rd spot with 1,200 in-lbs of nut-busting torque.
Feature Set
The Bosch 12V Impact Driver includes a really solid feature set. Where quite a few 12V impact drivers seem happy to check off the box of having a 12V model, Bosch gives this tool the professional treatment.
Let’s consider what seemed to be the “standard fare” amongst most of the 12V tools we looked at. Most models have a single speed with a single LED on the base of the handle and call it a day. Contrasted to this, the Bosch 12V impact driver comes with a two-speed brushless motor.
It also has a really effective 3-LED light around the nose of the tool. Because the light is so even and effective, you lose the shadow that single LED lights cast. Plus, the PS42 has a toggle switch to turn on the LEDs, allowing you to use this tool as a flashlight in those dark corners without feathering the trigger to activate it.
We also really appreciated that Bosch includes a battery charge indicator on the tool. For some reason, not many 12V models include this feature.
We will say that the belt hook could use some help, though. It’s in a fine spot, but it doesn’t allow enough clearance between the clip and the tool to be able to quickly and easily slip it on to your belt. Some of the guys on our testing team just set it down rather than wrestle with it.
Ergonomics
One of Bosch’s strong suits has always been making tools that feel comfortable to use. The PS42 carries on that tradition with one of the most comfortable handle designs you can get from stick-style battery systems.
The Bosch 12V Impact Driver has a lightweight and compact footprint, finally leaving Skil and Milwaukee behind. Without the battery, it weighs a little over a pound and a half and is just 2.1 lbs with its compact pack. It also only measures in at 5.6″ long and 6.3″ tall.
Value
The Bosch 12V Impact Driver retails as a kit for $159.99. It comes with two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case. It’s on the premium pricing side with Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel coming a little higher. However, the M12 Fuel puts some serious distance on it in performance. Skil is the closest in terms of head-to-head scoring at this point, but it’s $100 price tag offers significant savings.
What adds value to the Bosch PS42 is it’s solid and well-designed build along with other options on the battery platform like the 12V FlexiClick drill driver, router, and planer.
The Bottom Line
We’ve seen some otherwise solid Pro brands neglect their 12V line, but the Bosch 12V impact driver has the fit, finish, and feature set that tells us Bosch puts real effort into the tools they design for it. The PS42-02 doesn’t have many weaknesses but it’s more expensive than some of its competition.
Bosch 12V Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Bosch PS42-02
- Power source: 12V
- No Load Speed: 0-1,200 / 2,600 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 975 in-lbs
- Impact Rate: 0-3,100 BPM
- Bare Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Weight with Battery: 2.1 lbs
- Length: 5.5″
- Height: 7.04″
- Warranty: 1 year limited
- Price: $119.99 (tool only), $169 (kit)
